Allen Iverson Free - Questions And Answers

December 31, 1993|By Daily Press staff

Q. The governor granted Allen Iverson conditional clemency. Why?

A. Because Iverson and his counsel asked for it. According to Wilder, they cited such things as ``reasonable doubt as to his guilt, the fact he has no prior criminal record and his desire to be allowed to continue his education.'' In response, Wilder said, ``There is sufficient doubt to merit that Allen Iverson be granted limited freedom and the opportunity to continue his education.''

Q. What is conditional clemency?

A. Clemency is an act of leniency. In this case the governor tempered it with several conditions aimed at ensuring that Iverson complete his high school education.

Q. Wilder said, ``There is not sufficient evidence at the present time for me to grant the extraordinary relief inherent in a traditional pardon.'' What is a pardon?

A. A pardon absolves a person from punishment for a crime. Iverson was not pardoned and will be placed on parole in August 1994 as a result of his felony convictions.

Q. How rare is a grant of clemency by a Virginia governor?

A. It is not unusual for governors to make such a grant but it is rare that such an action is taken while appeals are still pending. In fact, Wilder has always been reluctant to get involved while a civil or criminal matter was still pending.

Q. Is this a political ploy for Wilder to win votes for his U.S. Senate race?

A. This will obviously bolster Wilder's standing among blacks when he needs it most. Black voters will be critical in next spring's Democratic primary, in which Wilder and Sen. Charles S. Robb will fight for the party's nomination, elected officials and independent analysts say.

Q. Can incoming governor George Allen rescind Wilder's order?

A. No, according to aides to Wilder and Allen. No governor can rescind such an order.

Q. Iverson is still trying to reverse his conviction. What is its status?

A. His attorneys have appealed and the case is now before the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Q. Can he play basketball?

A. The governor's order says ``he is not to engage in athletics.'' While this does not mean he can't shoot baskets or play on his own, it probably precludes any organized team sport until the furlough expires Aug. 23.

Q. Are colleges still interested in recruiting him?

A. Yes. Several schools, including George Washington and Georgetown, have kept in touch with Iverson since his incarceration. There are likely to be others when and if he earns a high school diploma.

Q. Where will Iverson go to school?

A. Iverson and his attorneys have not said where. Options include the Hampton city school system and Maine Central Institute, a prep school that had accepted Iverson prior to his sentencing, although the order does not say whether Iverson can leave the state.

Q. Can Iverson go back to Bethel High School?

A. Maybe. Superintendent Raymond G. Washington said he had no idea if Iverson wanted to return to Hampton schools, but if he did he would have to meet with a special school committee that decides whether he returns to a regular high school or enrolls in an alternative program.

Q. Who makes sure Iverson lives up to the conditions of the clemency?

A. Wilder's order says Iverson shall remain under the jurisdiction of the Parole Board and abide by any additional conditions established by the board and the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Q. Does the clemency apply to the other three people convicted in the brawl?

A. No. However, governor's aides say Wilder is reviewing clemency requests for at least two of the other teens convicted in the brawl. The third, Melvin Stephens Jr., is out on bond pending appeal of his misdemeanor convictions.